FLYING IN NEW ZEALAND

Patea Mail, Volume XLIX, 21 November 1928, Page 2

FLYING IN NEW ZEALAND

COMMANDEK BYRD’S ADVICE. -.CITABLE TYPES Ob’ MACHINES. The leader of the ‘Autaiclic expedi.:on, Commander R. E. Byrd, who is ..iie of the world’s noted airmen, had some inteiesting remarks to otter on what types of airciaft he thought were best suited to Hying conditions in New Zealand. “It is rather dillb-ult for me to say what would be the best type ol aeroplane to use in this country.” he said. “I have not flown over your tenain, and am not familiar with the conditions. But from what 1 have been told 1 am inclined to believe' that because of the scarcity of landing fields an aeroplane which could take advantage of your natural landing places, the sea hays and lakes, would be the ideal machine for commercial use. “bu a country wlmre there are many mountains, frequent winds and low iields, oven a three-motored aeroplane would be subjected nt times to danger, in the event of a forced landing. A large Hying boat, seaplane or amphibian, which may land either on land or water, seems to mo the natural vype of machine to use. The twin or multi-motored amphibian, which could be set down safely on any lake or harbour, would furnish comparatively safe transport. . It is" possible at present to find a machine of this type which will fly on one of its motors if the others cut out. “.Safety is an absolute essential to commercial flying, and a plane which does not oiler the greatest factor of safety is a detriment rather than an aid to aviation. “As to small sporting planes, there arc many good types, and I should say that a reliable -motor ami sturdy construction are the two groat essentials, whether a monoplane or biplane is used. In addition to these requirements there should be a good school for amateur pilots, so that adequate training might be assured. Ten hours in the air docs not make a pilot. Every new pilot should have -10 hours of instruction, and after a few hundred hours more in the air he may learn to flv.”